THE first two businesses have moved in to the new business park on the former Ordnance Supply Unit (OSU) in Liphook.

The redevelopment of the site, from former military base to modern commercial space, is a joint venture between East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire’s M3 Local Enterprise Partnership.

EHDC invested £2million into the scheme while the M3 LEP added a further £1.6million.

The site on Midhurst Road includes two office buildings and a terrace of three light industrial units.

According to EHDC, the three buildings will generate rental income which will be reinvested in economic development projects locally and contribute toward the council’s objective to be financially independent.

BAFTA-winning Zen Broadcast and Lumi, a global provider of audience engagement technology, have taken up residence in the site’s newly-completed buildings, now called Ordnance Business Park, after Lumi relocated from its offices at Bohunt Manor off Portsmouth Road.

Sam Hunt, Lumi head of global business services, said: “Ordnance Business Park is a perfect choice for Lumi. 

“We know the village well and many of our existing employees live locally, so a decision to stay in Liphook was easy.”

Andy Deacon, Zen Broadcast director, said: “We have been looking at various locations along the A3 corridor that would support the expansion of our business.

“The EHDC team, led by Angela Kiwanuka, and M3 Local Enterprise Partnership have been fantastic in recognising how we wish to grow and working with us to make the move possible.

“We were initially looking north of Guildford, however access to Liphook is great and while slightly further afield than our prime search area, the serene village has amazing facilities and is an attractive area to bring clients.

“As a company we are very keen to expand while helping develop young and up-and-coming talent.

“One of our aspirations is to work with the local schools, and the newly-developed sixth form college, in raising awareness of the broadcast and music industries and help those who have an interest in media develop their skills.”

Glynis Watts, portfolio holder for economic development, told The Herald: “EHDC is one of the country’s most business-friendly councils and the redevelopment of the OSU site has been one of our most important economic projects over the last few years.

“We needed more business space in the district and identified this site as an ideal location.

“It’s been a lot of hard work seeing the project through, but it is incredibly satisfying to see new businesses moving in, creating jobs and boosting our local economy.”

Dave Axam, chairman of Enterprise M3 LEP, welcomed the official opening at the end of last month.

He added: “This is a great result for our partnership with East Hampshire District Council.

“I am particularly delighted to see how companies from the high tech and creative industries, strong sectors in the Enterprise M3 area, are recognising the benefits for growth and success in locating in this area.”

EHDC’s Liphook councillor Bill Mouland agreed.

He said: “We are delighted to welcome these exciting new businesses to Ordnance Park.

“This proves there is a real need for high-quality business space in the district and with some hard work and a great partnership with the LEP we now have this wonderful and successful new facility.” 

EHDC bought the last undeveloped part of the site in March 2016, after Taylor Wimpey agreed to sell the commercial land adjacent to the Maple Park housing development and the Beaver Industrial Park in November 2015.